SHARE program celebrating 30 years

Published 7:31 am, Monday, July 18, 2011

The Salvation Army is now accepting registrations for its summer day camp sessions.

The Salvation Army is now accepting registrations for its summer day camp sessions.

SHARE program celebrating 30 years

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The Salvation Army’s SHARE program is celebrating its 30th year of providing underprivileged youths with a chance to attend summer camp.

The program was formed in 1981 by Major Warren Yoder of The Salvation Army and two high school volunteers, Dave Gibbs and Paul Arnold. They wanted to reach out to children who were less fortunate and give them opportunities, said Nicki Smith, Salvation Army community program development director.

Since its creation, the SHARE program in Midland has grown from one location with less than 20 children to four locations accommodating about 400 children each summer. Since the start, more than 12,000 Midland children have participated.

“These are kids who couldn’t really go to fun summer camps,” Smith said. “We have a number of kids who have never heard about God or attended a church — kids who have never had a mentor.”

Smith said the Christian-themed summer camp, which runs during the day for eight weeks, hires local college students and high school seniors to work as counselors in the summer, and many of them act as mentors to the children.

A number of the counselors are recommended by local churches that work with and support the program. Each day, the children rotate through Bible messages, crafts, organized sports and other activities.

During field trips, the children are able to visit places such as bowling alleys, roller skating rinks and the Delta Planetarian.

Smith said the program, which is funded by several grants and donations, helps the youths grow in a number of ways.

“They learn social skills, and learn to love one another and their community,” Smith said.